Upholstery Cleaning The Natural Way

Major pieces of upholstered furniture such as sofas receive abuse on a daily basis. Other than being used as a seat, kids and pets can jump on them, leaving clumps of soil or other types of stains. Drinks and meals can also be spilled, ruining the fabric. Having the upholstered furniture cleaned by professional upholstery cleaners can be cost-effective and may be your best solution. It is possible to perform upholstery cleaning on your own but at your own risk. There are several ways of cleaning upholstered furniture, depending on the type of material. Consider the following suggestions on cleaning that major piece of furniture.

Check the tag to see if the manufacturer has included specific cleaning instructions. The tag can tell you how to have the piece cleaned. If the cleaning instructions are not indicated, the label may include information on the type of fabric used to upholster the sofa. This piece of information is vital in determining the right approach and solvent to use. Natural and synthetic fibers react differently to different types of cleansers. For instance, “W” and “WS” fabrics can be cleaned with water-based cleaning products, “S” fabrics can only be cleaned using dry products while fabrics labeled with “X” can only be vacuumed.

Before cleaning the upholstery, it is important to remove as much of the dirt and grime off the fabric as possible. Use the edge of the spoon to scrape off large chunks of soil. Remove the chunks using a vacuum cleaner.

For small spots, whisk a tablespoon of mild detergent with ¼ cup of warm water until it turns into a thick froth. Test the frothy foam on a small inconspicuous area such as the backside or underneath the sofa. Let the test area dry completely before inspecting the result. If the fabric does not shrink or change in color, apply the froth onto the stained spot. Mildly rub the suds onto the fabric until the stains are removed. Remove the foam using a spatula and wipe the area clean with a dry cloth. Allow the sofa to dry overnight before using.

Natural cleaning products are not always in liquid form. One way to clean the surface is by mixing equal parts of baking soda and cornstarch. Place the mixed powder in a shaker-type container such as a used baby powder bottle. Shake a small amount of the powder onto the stain and leave for half an hour. Once the time is up, use a vacuum to remove the powder. The same recipe is also effective in removing any odors on the fabric.

If you need to hire professional upholstery cleaners, do your research to see if they are qualified and skilled in cleaning that type of fabric or material. Professional upholstery cleaning services cost a bundle. Be sure you get your money’s worth by hiring the best and most reputable company you can afford.

Regular care is just as important as upholstery cleaning. Not only will this keep the sofa clean but performing maintenance on a regular basis can also clean make the furniture piece last longer. Treat stains as soon as you see them by wiping off spills and spots as soon as possible. Vacuuming the surface at least once a week is recommended to reduce the amount of dust settling on the piece. In the case of leather-covered furniture, cleaning the surface with a damp cloth or sponge can help hydrate the surface and prevent it from cracking.